[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Become a Physical Therapist[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physical therapists help athletes recover from injuries, treat patients with chronic back pain, and specialize in rehabilitation. A key part of the healthcare system, physical therapists benefit from high demand. The field reports median salaries more than double the median for all occupations and much-faster-than-average job growth.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In every state, physical therapists must meet education and training requirements to practice. Our guide covers how to become a physical therapist, including education requirements, common specializations, and licensure requirements. Prospective physical therapists can use these resources to learn more about the career path.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Questions About Physical Therapy[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How long does it take to become a physical therapist?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physical therapists must complete a three-year doctoral program to qualify for a license. Some schools offer a 3+3 accelerated program. In them, students spend three years earning an undergraduate degree before directly entering the doctoral program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Is a physical therapist a doctor?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, physical therapists are doctors. They complete a doctorate as part of their training. However, physical therapists do not attend medical school. Instead, they train in doctor of physical therapy (DPT) programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]What is the difference between a chiropractor and a physical therapist?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Chiropractors focus on the nervous system and correct related pain. Physical therapists specialize in many body systems, including the musculoskeletal system. They emphasize stretching and exercises to build strength.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Do physical therapists make a lot of money?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm/” target=”_blank”]physical therapist[/hen-ui-link] salary is $91,010. That exceeds the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/” target=”/"_blank"”]median salary for healthcare practitioners[/hen-ui-link] of $69,870.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Do Physical Therapists Do?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physical therapists count themselves among many [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/therapy/”]different types of therapists[/hen-ui-link] in the healthcare field. They treat patients recovering from an injury or surgery. Physical therapists provide preventative treatments and help patients with chronic illnesses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When meeting with a new patient, physical therapists review their medical history and diagnose their needs. Then, physical therapists design a treatment plan. They work closely with patients to demonstrate therapeutic techniques and equipment that increase mobility and decrease pain.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physical therapists educate patients on their recovery and modify care plans based on progress. They often specialize in areas like orthopedics, geriatrics, or sports physical therapy. Physical therapists work in physical therapy offices, hospitals, home healthcare services, and residential care facilities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physical therapist jobs require strong communication skills, compassion, and patience. Physical therapists lift and adjust patients, so they need physical stamina and fitness as well. The career often means long hours standing and working closely with patients.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Are the Education Requirements for Physical Therapy?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students who want to become a physical therapist need to understand the education requirements for physical therapist jobs. Recently, the field increased those requirements. Physical therapists once only needed a bachelor’s or master’s, but now the field requires a doctorate. This section walks through the degrees you’ll need to become a physical therapist.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”All You Need to Know About Accreditation” href=”/resources/accreditation/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Physical Therapy Specializations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During a physical therapy doctoral program, graduate students choose a specialization to focus their training. After completing a doctorate, physical therapists can pursue board certification as a clinical specialist in 10 specialty areas.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://specialization.apta.org/” target=”/"_blank"”]American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties[/hen-ui-link] (ABPTS) offers board certification in geriatrics, orthopedics, and pediatrics. They also certify physical therapists specializing in cardiovascular and pulmonary issues, oncology, sports physical therapy, and women’s health.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This section introduces the requirements for three popular physical therapy specializations. Degree-seekers wanting to become a physical therapist can research programs offering concentrations in their desired area. Then, with a doctorate, they can earn board certification as a clinical specialist.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”minus” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Orthopedic Clinical Specialist[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Orthopedic physical therapists treat injuries to patients’ bones, muscles, and joints. The specialty requires coursework in orthopedic injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. Enrollees learn about conditions like arthritis that affect the skeletal system, as well as injuries and surgical procedures that require physical therapy.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Board certification requires 2,000 hours of direct patient care in orthopedics. Candidates must complete an orthopedic residency with an accredited institution.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”minus” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Geriatric Clinical Specialist[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A geriatrics specialization focuses on aging patients who require physical therapy. To prepare for physical therapist jobs in this specialty, students learn about age-related musculoskeletal disorders, including arthritis and osteoporosis. They also learn about neurological disorders that affect physical health. Doctoral candidates gain hands-on experience through clinical practicums.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After completing a doctorate with training in geriatrics, physical therapists must meet two requirements for board certification. Candidates need 2,000 hours of patient care in geriatrics and an accredited geriatrics residency.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”minus” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Pediatric Clinical Specialist[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physical therapists specializing in pediatrics work with children and adolescents. They focus on physical injuries and disorders that affect young people from birth through their teenage years. During a doctoral program, a pediatric concentration covers conditions that pediatric physical therapists treat, like cerebral palsy. Doctoral candidates complete clinical hours in pediatric care settings.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professionals qualify for pediatric clinical specialist board certification with a doctorate, accredited pediatrics residency, and 2,000 pediatric patient care hours.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-article-card title=”The 10 Highest-Paying Healthcare Jobs” href=”/careers/highest-paying/highest-paying-healthcare-jobs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”The Best Online Colleges and Universities of 2022″ href=”/rankings/online-colleges/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Career and Salary Outlook for Physical Therapy[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physical therapists benefit from a strong career and salary outlook. Salaries vary depending on location, experience, and industry. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm#tab-5/” target=”_blank”]top-paid physical therapists[/hen-ui-link] earn a median salary over $126,500 per year.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some industries report a higher physical therapist salary than others. Nursing and residential care facilities report the highest median pay, followed by home healthcare services, hospitals, and physical therapist offices.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location also affects earning potential. The five states with the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291123.htm/” target=”_blank”]highest mean physical therapist salary[/hen-ui-link] are Nevada, California, Alaska, New Jersey, and Connecticut. In these states, physical therapists report mean salaries over $100,000 per year.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to high earnings, the field reports a strong job outlook. The BLS projects [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm#tab-6/” target=”_blank”]49,100 added physical therapist jobs[/hen-ui-link] from 2020-2030, representing 21% projected job growth. This qualifies as much-faster-than-average growth.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Certifications and Licensure for Physical Therapists[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In every state, physical therapists need a license to practice. Requirements vary by state, but include a doctorate from an accredited program. Candidates must pass the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.fsbpt.org/Secondary-Pages/Exam-Candidates/National-Exam-NPTE/” target=”_blank”]National Physical Therapy Examination[/hen-ui-link], which tests their knowledge in many areas of physical therapy.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physical therapists pursuing licensure in some states must pass a jurisprudence exam.Other requirements may include a criminal background check. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.fsbpt.org/” target=”/"_blank"”]Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy[/hen-ui-link] provides contact information for each state’s licensing body. It also offers information on the exam requirements for licensure.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a state-issued license, professionals qualify to apply for physical therapist jobs. They can also pursue board certification in a specialty area through ABPTS. Board certification requires a residency and clinical patient care hours.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Ask an Expert[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Lea Klein” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/c_crop,g_face,h_1600,w_1600/c_fill,h_200,w_200/v1601916330/experts/Lea_Klein.jpg” img-alt=”Lea Klein” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”]Lea Klein graduated from St. Louis University with a bachelor’s in exercise science in 2000 and received her master of science in physical therapy in 2001. She began by working in outpatient care, treating orthopedic impairments. During her almost 20-year career, Klein became passionate about treating pregnant and postpartum patients and decided to go through training to treat pelvic floor disorders in 2007.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”]She now specializes in pelvic floor physical therapy. In 2017, after having her third child, she decided to take the leap and start her own private business, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.kleinphysicaltherapy.com/”]Klein Physical Therapy[/hen-ui-link]. Klein always wanted to deliver the highest quality care and felt that one-hour sessions allowed for quicker progress. Her practice continues to grow steadily.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Q. What Are Some Challenges and High Points in This Role?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I feel like the highest points of being a physical therapist (PT) are the times when you have made tremendous progress with a patient and truly changed their current life. There is nothing better than hearing that they are no longer experiencing the debilitating pain they had been experiencing or that they could resume their exercise routine without pain.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The challenges in this role are the limits that insurance companies place on quality care. Another challenge is breaking the stereotype of what a PT does. Our profession has grown tremendously, and many still don’t know about all the benefits of seeing a PT. My specialty of pelvic floor physical therapy is still not well known.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Q. What Type of Person Does Well in This Role?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are many different settings for a physical therapist to explore. Being a neurophysical therapist treating patients with traumatic brain injury, for instance, is very different than being an outpatient orthopedic therapist. The common characteristic in all specialties is being a caregiver. You have to like working closely with people, and it’s a plus if you’re an analytical thinker who likes to problem solve.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Q. Who Does This Role Help? How Does This Role Affect Others?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This role helps a tremendous amount of people. It really helps anyone struggling with physical impairments. In the neuro world, you are helping stroke patients, Parkinson’s patients, patients with closed head or spinal cord injuries, and many others. In the ortho world, you are helping post-surgical patients, such as those recovering from a total knee replacement or rotator cuff repair. The patient with debilitating low back pain and the postpartum mom struggling with urinary incontinence and sciatica are all examples of those helped by physical therapy.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Q. Why Do We Need More Physical Therapists?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physical therapy is a crucial profession. As baby boomers get older and the weekend warriors continue to injure themselves, we continue to need more physical therapists.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Q. How Long Does It Usually Take Graduates With a Degree to Get Hired?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most graduates who have prepared themselves can get hired immediately after graduation. My first job was with the company that I had one of my clinicals with. I secured the job before I even passed the boards (barring that I passed, of course).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Q. How Much Does a Certification Specialty Affect Your Hireability?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a new grad, it is not necessary to have a certification specialty to be hired. My personal advice is to stay focused during your schooling on which area of PT you’d like to practice in. Make sure you sign up for a variety of clinical settings and then go for your favorite setting when you graduate.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As you begin to work in that setting, then strive to specialize in something more specific. A specialty is likely going to make you a more desirable candidate when applying for positions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Q. What Skills Do Employers Look For?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I believe employers are looking for therapists who are good communicators and those who are teachable. One must show the ability to perform critical thinking. If you have an openness to learn and you are confident without being arrogant, you will shine in an employer’s eyes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Q. What Can Students Do to Make Themselves Look Better to Employers?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students will always look better if they demonstrate that they are truly invested in their profession. Taking the time to volunteer within the profession and having strong personal and professional goals for growth are ways to stand out.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Resources for Physical Therapy[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.apta.org/” target=”_blank”]American Physical Therapy Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] A professional association founded in 1921, APTA represents 100,000 physical therapists, assistants, and students. The organization provides career planning, patient care, and practice resources.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://acapt.org/about” target=”_blank”]American Council of Academic Physical Therapy[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] ACAPT represents academic physical therapy programs. Its members include over 95% of accredited U.S. physical therapy programs. The council provides education research, clinical training resources, and a national honor society for students.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.hoajonline.com/phystherrehabil” target=”_blank”]Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] An open-access journal, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation publishes research covering every subfield of physical therapy. Students can read articles or submit manuscripts to the journal.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.capteonline.org/” target=”_blank”]Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] CAPTE grants accreditation to physical therapy programs, including physical therapist assistant programs. Physical therapists must attend a CAPTE-accredited program to qualify for a license.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Header Image Credit: Erik Isakson | Getty Images[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]